NBAA’s annual convention is coming up in Orlando next week, and a brand-new company will be there to unveil its plans for a brand-new bizjet. The Spectrum 33, a 10-seat, all-composite twin turbofan, is the latest contender to enter the growing small-jet market. The aircraft, about the size of a Cessna CJ2, will cruise at 415 knots, weigh 7,300 pounds and carry two Williams FJ33-4A engines. Renderings at the company’s Web site show a cockpit with sidestick controls. The engines are mounted on the aft fuselage. FAA certification is projected for 2007 or 2008. The jet is under development by Spectrum Aeronautical, a new company based in Encinitas, Calif., under the leadership of Linden Blue. Blue is a former CEO of Beechcraft, who oversaw the Starship project there. A prototype aircraft is reportedly already in the works. More details are promised at next week’s news conference in Orlando. The huge NBAA convention, which expects to attract about 30,000 visitors with 1,000 exhibitors and 110 aircraft on static display, was quickly moved from its scheduled venue in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Guest speakers will include Ellen Engleman Conners of the NTSB, astronaut Gene Cernan, and legendary pilots Scott Crossfield and Bob Hoover. Over 75 forums are scheduled. And of course all the aviation companies will have updates on their latest projects. AVweb‘s Jeb Burnside will be in Orlando to file a special edition of AVweb‘s BizAV newsletter, which will appear in your inbox on Friday Nov. 11. (If you’re not a BizAV subscriber, you can sign up today … it’s free … or check the online version for updates.)
